Although funding is available, its effectiveness is almost non-existent. Purchases are regularly disrupted, deadlines are not met, which leads to the population and medical institutions being unable to receive vital medications and equipment in a timely manner.
According to the minister, internal management problems, such as weak management, conflicts of interest, and the involvement of previous leaders in schemes with pharmaceutical companies, have become the main reasons for the current situation, rather than external factors.
In this regard, when selecting a new director, the most important criterion was independence from the pharmaceutical mafia.
Bolot Junusov has no connections with industry structures and possesses experience in public service, international diplomacy, and crisis management.
Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic
The minister also added that to ensure balanced management, a second deputy was appointed, representing professional pharmacologists. He will be responsible for all aspects related to drug supply, procurement, and the formation of lists, which will allow for professional oversight of all pharmaceutical areas, including compliance with WHO requirements and procurement standards.
Kanybek Dosmambetov emphasized that one of the main tasks of the new leadership is to establish direct connections only with verified manufacturers, to refuse intermediary purchases, and to stop the practice of acquiring medical equipment from "one-day firms" that disappear after delivery, leaving the country without service and guarantees.
“We must purchase medical equipment from reliable global manufacturers who can guarantee the operation of the equipment for at least 15 years. It is important not only to save costs but also to make purchases based on international non-proprietary names (INN), excluding commercial manipulations and imposed brands. Each tender should be oriented towards the real needs of the healthcare system, rather than the interests of individual companies,” concluded the official.
